Author name: Dr. Vahid Osman

Most people assume that drug addiction is a choice made by an individual who simply lacks morals. People may initially choose to use the substance, but using is no longer a choice once a substance use disorder has progressed.

Withdrawal and addiction are closely tied in many people’s minds. Does withdrawal from a substance mean you are addicted? Which one comes first? Can you have an addiction without experiencing withdrawal?

If you know a friend or loved one who struggled with addiction, you may be wondering how to talk to them now that they’re sober. It can be tough to know what to say or act around someone new to sobriety.

In March 2020, the World Health Organization announced that COVID-19 was a pandemic. This had serious implications for people’s mental health, but it also complicated matters for people experiencing substance use disorders (SUDs). In order to recover from such disorders, people must meet regularly in support groups.

If you have a substance use disorder, you are not alone. The use of drugs and alcohol is prevalent in America, with some areas seeing epidemic drug and alcohol use. One example is Indiana. In 2021, Indiana had the ninth highest rates of drug use behind Washington D.C., West Virginia, Missouri, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Delaware, and Michigan. At First City Recovery Center, we believe that addiction to drugs and alcohol is a disease, and we must treat the disease with compassion and respect.

Seizures are a possibility if someone snorts the prescription medication Adderall. This is a psychostimulant that belongs to the amphetamine drug class. As such, it stimulates the release of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.

Coping skills are one core mechanic behind how an addiction functions. Most of the time, people with substance abuse disorders have poor coping mechanisms. A lot of people don’t learn how to deal with emotions and setbacks in a healthy way as children. Learning to develop new ways of handling emotions can help people develop a new outlook on life as well.

As researchers gain more insight into alcohol’s effect on the body, increasing numbers of people are questioning and evaluating their drinking habits. While there aren’t ironclad standards for what constitutes alcoholism, there are some general guidelines regarding social drinking, binge drinking and over-drinking behaviors.

Relapse is a reality that many people face after leaving their rehab treatment facilities. Rehab programs typically do their best to prepare these people for handling a potential relapse, providing them with coping skills that can be used out in the world.

It takes courage to ask for help under any circumstances. It is an especially brave choice to seek assistance for an alcohol or substance use disorder.